6/20 Crete Day 2

Visited the site of Gournia and Malia. It was devastatingly hot outside, but there was a cool breeze. All the sites were by the sea (everything is by the sea in Crete). At one point I was standing on top of the ruins at Gournia, with the ruins underneath and to the right, mountains to the left, and the mediterranean sea in front of me. It was a breathtaking image. I must've stood there for at least five minutes in silence. Everything back home seemed so far away. Memories from home seemed to be the furthest thing from my mind. It was as if I didn't have any thoughts until that moment. (Don't pay attention to my ramblings.) I have a feeling that I'm not the first to be struck into silence by the view though.



Their sites are always on a hilltop or a mountain top. I know there are practical reasons for a construction on a hill.... but I'd like to think part of the reason had to do with beauty. If the architecture of their buildings is any indication, I would bank on "yes", everything had to do with beauty. Everything was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and mind. The Greeks were masters at that. A bit superficial, but very artful and majestic.

Amnissos beach was hot hot hot. Fell asleep there, woke up uncomfortably sweaty, jumped into the water, repeat. A nice way to end the trip. Not amazing, but not bad either.